KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Championships kicked off its hurdle event rounds on Thursday at the iconic National Stadium, where Carifta Games gold medalist Robert Miller emerged as the fastest qualifier for the boys Under-20 400m hurdles final.
Miller, a student-athlete from Hydel High School who has already signed a commitment to join NCAA Division I program Baylor University next season, clocked a solid 52.21 seconds in the first round to secure his top spot in the rankings. The result marks a comeback for the young hurdler after an unexpected setback earlier this season at the Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Boys’ Champs), where he claimed the 110m hurdles title but was unable to finish the 400m hurdles final, leaving his double bid unfulfilled.
Following Miller in the qualifying standings are four other standout young hurdlers from Jamaica’s top high school athletic programs. Jahvanie Tyrell of Kingston College posted the second-fastest time of 52.62 seconds, while Rojay Black of Jamaica College came in third with 52.35 seconds. Joshua Wint of William Knibb Memorial High School rounded out the top four U-20 qualifiers with a time of 52.75 seconds, booking his spot in the upcoming final round.
In the boys Under-18 division, it was Nicholas Jones of Lacovia High who claimed the leading position after the opening round. Jones crossed the finish line in 53.05 seconds to outpace the rest of the field. Rahiem McIntosh of Kingston College followed closely behind in second with a time of 53.63 seconds. Oneil Lawrence of Jamaica College took third place in the round with 54.45 seconds, and Malik Thompson of Camperdown High secured the fourth qualifying spot with a 55.53-second run.
The JAAA National Championships serve as a key selection event for Jamaican teams heading to regional and international junior athletic competitions, giving rising track and field stars a platform to showcase their talent ahead of future collegiate and national team opportunities.